Air India Elevates In-Flight Dining on Its Global Routes with Kerala’s Beloved Malabari Chicken Curry — A Culinary Journey from India to Dubai, London, New York & More

A refreshing gust of South Indian flavour has surged through Air India’s culinary offerings as its new global in-flight menu lifts off. At the forefront of this transformation is the introduction of the rich Malabari chicken curry, a beloved Kerala-style specialty now served across many of the airline’s international routes. The menu, carefully crafted by Chef Sandeep Kalra, weaves together India’s gastronomic legacy with global inspirations, offering travellers from India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates a taste of home and the world at 35,000 feet. With its thoughtful curation, the refreshed menu caters to all classes — from First to Premium Economy — and accommodates a variety of dietary preferences, blending tradition, innovation, and sustainability into every meal.

A Culinary Elevation in the Skies

Air India’s new global menu has been rolled out across most of its international ex-India routes, including flights to and from destinations such as London (Heathrow), New York, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto, Dubai, San Francisco, and more. This strategic rollout signals the airline’s commitment to offering a refined gastronomic experience that reflects both Indian heritage and global trends.

This update forms a key piece of Air India’s broader transformation agenda, one that encompasses fresh aircraft, upgraded cabins, and an enhanced passenger experience. The menu redesign is being gradually extended to all international sectors and eventually to domestic flights as well.

Signature Indian Flavours: From Awadh to Kerala

At the heart of the revamped menu lies a celebration of India’s regional culinary diversity. Traditional favourites have been carefully selected for different cabin classes:

• First and Business Class passengers can relish classic dishes such as Awadhi Paneer Anjeer Pasanda (vegetarian) and Murgh Massalam (non-vegetarian), complemented by a South Indian platter.
• In Premium Economy, the newly introduced Malabari chicken curry, Rajasthani besan chilla, and Malai palak kofta bring forward regional authenticity in a balanced, accessible format.

By placing Malabari chicken curry — a dish rooted in Kerala’s coastal culinary traditions — on its international menu, Air India underscores its dedication to infusing its service with deep cultural resonance.

Global Inspirations and Cabin-Wise Experience

In addition to signature Indian fare, the new menu reflects influences from across the world, appealing to a wide spectrum of taste preferences:

• First Class menus now feature refined choices like Japanese Teppanyaki Bowls, citrus tiger prawns, and oriental napa cabbage and tofu rollmops.
• Business Class guests can enjoy dishes such as Seoul-flamed prawns, manicotti forestiere, and Mediterranean tapas.
• For younger travellers, often dubbed “Gen Z favourites,” options include chicken bibimbap and a delicate matcha delice.
• Comfort food lovers flying Business Class receive homestyle masala dal khichdi and stuffed parantha, bringing a familiar, home-cooked touch to the skies.

Moreover, special dietary requirements are addressed through a rich selection, including vegan, gluten-free, and low-allergen meals, reflecting an inclusive and thoughtful approach.

The Culinary Vision: Chef & Sustainability

The new menu has been curated under the guidance of Chef Sandeep Kalra, who recently joined Air India as part of its ongoing rejuvenation journey. His inspiration draws from India’s street food culture, the time-honoured tiffin traditions of South India, and modern global trends, ensuring that each dish resonates with today’s international traveller.

Sustainability has been woven into the menu design as well. Air India has emphasized sourcing locally grown, seasonal ingredients, reducing food miles, and supporting farmers. The airline is also adopting eco-friendly packaging, including compostable cutlery and paper meal boxes, while reducing single-use plastics. Waste separation for recycling and composting aboard flights reflects a broader commitment to environmental responsibility.

Class-Wise Dining Delights

First Class
Passengers seated in First Class are treated to a gourmet multi-course dining experience, complemented by freshly baked artisanal breads, signature desserts, and carefully paired wine or champagne.

Business Class
The Business Class experience offers flexibility and sophistication: multi-course meals that can be customized, alongside premium beverages and thoughtful presentation.

Premium Economy & Economy
In Premium Economy, meal trays have been upgraded to deliver balanced, wholesome options rooted in familiar Indian regional flavours. Even Economy class benefits from the refresh, especially on international sectors, as the new menu is progressively rolled out.

Why This Matters for Travellers

From a travel and tourism perspective, this menu revamp is significant on several fronts:

1. Cultural Immersion: By offering Kerala’s Malabari chicken curry on board, Air India provides passengers a direct cultural connection to India’s coastal culinary heritage, making long-haul flights more immersive.
2. Global Appeal: The inclusion of Pan-Asian and European-inspired dishes caters to diverse palates, appealing to international travellers flying from or to India, the UK, Australia, Canada, and the UAE.
3. Tailored Passenger Experience: With different menus designed for each cabin class, every passenger gets a dining experience that aligns with their travel class — ensuring a sense of premium service, even in economy.
4. Inclusive Dining Options: The expanded dietary choices — vegan, gluten-free, allergen-aware — reflect modern dietary awareness, which is especially relevant for international travellers with specific health or lifestyle needs.
5. Sustainable Travel: The shift toward local sourcing and environmentally friendly packaging reinforces responsible tourism, aligning with the growing traveler demand for sustainability in all aspects of their journey.

Looking Ahead: A Menu in Motion

Air India’s new global menu is being introduced in phases. It has already begun appearing on many long-haul international flights, and the rollout will continue until it is available across all international and domestic sectors.

As it spreads, the menu is expected to further enrich Air India’s brand identity, positioning the airline as not just a carrier, but a platform for cultural connection. The culinary transformation complements the broader revival of the airline — one that includes newer aircraft, enhanced cabin comfort, and a more refined customer experience.